Lakers Tipped to Add ‘Elite 3-And-D’ Wing for Post-LeBron Era

The Los Angeles Lakers are projected to enter the offseason with one of the largest amounts of cap space in the league, though much of that flexibility hinges on LeBron James’ decision in free agency.

If James departs, Los Angeles could open up approximately $51 million in cap room, even after factoring in Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

While much of the focus has centered on star pursuits, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, whom The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported the Lakers are planning an “all-out pursuit” of, and restricted free agent targets like Peyton Watson and Tari Eason, another path could prove just as important.

The draft represents a realistic opportunity for Los Angeles to strengthen the roster with young, cost-controlled talent while preserving long-term flexibility.

---

Lakers Could Add High-Upside Talent Through Draft Flexibility

By draft night, the Lakers are expected to control three tradable first-round picks in 2026, 2031, and 2033.

Those assets could be used in a blockbuster trade for Antetokounmpo or another star, but they also provide an opportunity to inject young talent on manageable contracts into the roster.

In his latest mock draft, Bleacher Report analyst Jonathan Wasserman projected the Lakers to select Baylor guard Cameron Carr.

Carr has emerged as one of college basketball’s breakout performers during his redshirt sophomore season, averaging 18.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game, while shooting 51.0% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range on 5.6 attempts per contest.

His rise has been particularly notable given his unconventional path. Carr averaged just 1.6 points in limited minutes at Tennessee during his freshman season in 2023-24 and then suffered a thumb injury that limited him to only four games in 2024-25.

After entering the NCAA transfer portal, he found a fresh opportunity at Baylor and has since developed into a legitimate NBA prospect.

“Consistency and a high release have helped Cameron Carr’s shotmaking look very persuasive,” Wasserman wrote. “With 37 dunks and 31 blocks at 6’5″, the combination of shooting skills and athleticism should help Carr appear very safe and easy to project.”

---

Carr Fits Los Angeles’ Long-Term Needs on Perimeter

At 21-years-old, Carr offers a blend of maturity and upside that could appeal to a Lakers team seeking immediate contributors with long-term potential.

Los Angeles currently ranks 24th in defensive rating at 116.8 and sits 23rd in three-pointers made per game at 11.7, highlighting a clear need for athletic, two-way perimeter players.

The midseason addition of Luke Kennard helped address shooting, but it did little to solve the team’s defensive shortcomings. Carr’s profile suggests he could help bridge that gap.

“Carr is set to offer elite 3-and-D upside on the wing at the NBA level, with his major strengths being his combination of physical tools and athleticism, 3-point shooting, off-ball scoring and defensive upside,” Sports Illustrated’s Derek Parker recently wrote.

The Baylor guard’s length, athleticism, and perimeter shooting would align closely with the type of complementary players needed alongside Luka Doncic and, potentially, Reaves moving forward.

---

Lakers Strengthen Draft Focus With Front Office Addition

The Lakers’ recent front office move further highlights their renewed emphasis on the draft.

On February 25, Los Angeles appointed former Virginia head coach Tony Bennett as an NBA Draft advisor to Rob Pelinka and the front office.

Bennett, a three-time National Coach of the Year, brings extensive experience in evaluating and developing talent.

The move signals a clear shift in approach after recent first-round selections, including Jalen Hood-Schifino and Dalton Knecht, failed to fully meet expectations.

Whether the Lakers ultimately use their picks in a blockbuster trade or retain them to select emerging prospects like Carr, the draft represents a critical opportunity.

With financial flexibility, tradable assets, and a renewed focus on talent evaluation, Los Angeles appears positioned to reshape its roster through multiple avenues this offseason.

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans